Development News and Information Sources
The Manushya Foundation: Empowering Communities; Advancing Social Justice. “Manushya” is a Sanskrit term being understood by many communities across Asia and in the world, meaning “humans”, “human being”, or even “human rights” (such as manusia in Bahasa or Malay).
Founded in 2017, Manushya Foundation is an Asia regional non-governmental organisation aimed at empowering communities to advance Human Rights, Social Justice & Peace. Manushya Foundation serves as a bridge to Engage, Mobilise, and Empower Agents of Change by: connecting Humans through inclusive coalition building; and by developing strategies focused at placing local communities’ voices in the center of human rights advocacy and domestic implementation of international human rights obligations and standards. Manushya Foundation strengthens the solidarity and capacity of communities and grassroots to ensure they can constructively raise their own concerns and provide solutions in order to improve their livelihoods and the human rights situation on the ground.
VISION
We Believe in the Infinite Positive Power of Humans in building inclusive, just, equal, sustainable and peaceful societies in Asia; where individuals, communities, governments and non- state actors respect, fulfill and advance the enjoyment of universal and indivisible human rights for All, leaving no one behind.
MISSION
We connect diverse and inclusive communities of Humans across Asia through coalition building, to ensure they are at the center of the human rights and sustainable development responses of their countries. By building capacities on human rights monitoring mechanisms, sharing experiences, developing innovative strategies and strengthening solidarity, Manushya Foundation empowers communities to advance human rights, social justice and peace.
Manushya Foundation serves as a "BRIDGE" to Engage, Mobilise, Empower Agents of Change:
A 3-PILLAR STRATEGY:
1. ENGAGE communities by building their capacities on all UN human rights mechanisms to ensure
their effective participation, and by providing them with the tools to efficiently build credible
evidence and monitor the human rights situation on the ground (human rights documentation)
to hold their government accountable on their human rights obligations.
2. MOBILISE communities around human rights movements, by building CSOs coalitions comprising
all human rights issues, where communities are treated equally and can build solidarity and
where all human rights are equal (civil and political rights as well as economic, social and cultural
rights).
3. EMPOWER communities by ensuring they are at the center of the human rights response in their
countries, engaging constructively and providing solutions to their government to improve the
human rights on the ground. By applying a bottom-up approach, communities will own their
issues, provide solutions and become the agents of change in their countries. Communities will
bring back solutions at the local level to further empower their peers, ensuring no one is left
behind.
The Manushya Foundation is a small NGO, with the advantages and constraints attached. Every staff
member plays an important role and carries responsibilities. Dedication is key as it greatly impacts
the work of the organisation. It is therefore necessary to embrace the vision and goals of the
organisation and fully commit to its success.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Internship Programme
The Manushya Foundation offers the opportunity to interns to develop a unique experience of
supporting the local communities to access justice through UN human rights mechanisms and in
improving the human rights situation on the ground.
1) Description of Duties & Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Executive Director and the Legal & Policy Advocacy Officers, the intern
would be based with the Manushya Foundation, in Bangkok, Thailand, and would primarily support
communications about activities to be implemented in Thailand, Myanmar and Lao PDR. The intern
will undertake the following tasks:
Develop and disseminate web-stories, articles, multimedia; blog posts and knowledge
products and resources amongst human rights organizations, civil society, development
organisations, and the diplomatic community;
Assist in writing press releases;
Social Media Management: assist in developing social media content (Facebook, Twitter,
Google+, etc.), garner users to follow/like for Manushya Foundation;
Update the website as necessary to build Manushya Foundation’s web presence;
Develop the monthly newsletter;
Establish presence on LinkedIn and begin engaging influencers;
Copy editing;
Conduct research and analysis on the human rights situation in Asia;
Support the development of concept notes, policy papers, and contribute to knowledge
products as necessary;
Support all aspects leading up to consultations and workshops including collaborating with
regional and national partners on the agenda and organisation of meetings, among other
administrative tasks;
Assist in any other relevant tasks as assigned by the supervisor.
Finally, s/he will be deeply involved in the implementation of international human rights obligations
on the ground and experience a first-hand insight into the work and functioning of a small NGO.
2) Profile needed
Degree in communications, development, human rights, international relations, or any related
field;
Interest in international human rights mechanisms and the United Nations system;
Experience in communications, social media, and/or web development;
Strong analytical skills and dedication;
Very good command of oral and written English;
Experience working on human rights issues is a strong asset.
3) Internship conditions
The internship is not paid. However, the internship can develop into a volunteer position, which
would be remunerated.
4) How to apply?
Please send CV and cover letter to: contact@manushyafoundation.org
Deadline is 20 August 2017.
Closing Date : 19 April 2026 (11:59 PM, Bangkok Time)